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Thursday, January 22, 2009

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St. Vincent


Hebrews 7:25—8:6
Psalm 40
Mark 3:7-12

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anniversary of shame

"Jesus has obtained a more excellent ministry now, just as He is Mediator of a better covenant, founded on better promises." —Hebrews 8:6

Today marks the 36th anniversary of the tragic Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion in the U.S. This decision can be categorized with the laws legalizing slavery or the holocaust by the Third Reich. On this day a law was enacted that turned our nation into a cemetery, that turned the wombs of mothers into the tombs of babies.

However, we have hope. Jesus "is always able to save those who approach God through Him, since He forever lives to make intercession for them" (Heb 7:25). "The main point in what we are saying is this: we have such a High Priest, Who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven" (Heb 8:1). "Unclean spirits would catch sight of Him, fling themselves down at His feet, and shout, 'You are the Son of God!' " (Mk 3:11)

Because of Jesus, eternal High Priest (Heb 7:24), demon-Deliverer, Victor over death, hope springs eternal. Because of Jesus, the final word will not be "death" but "life" eternal, not "abortion" but "adoption" as God's children, not "sin" but "salvation."

"At nightfall, weeping enters in, but with the dawn, rejoicing" (Ps 30:6). The tomb is empty! The Lord is risen! We are God's people of life, even abundant life (Jn 10:10). Choose life (Dt 30:19).

Prayer:  Father, may I not promote abortions and the abortion mentality by my apathy and selfishness.

Promise:  "Because He had cured many, all who had afflictions kept pushing toward Him to touch Him." —Mk 3:10

Praise:  St. Vincent's unshakable faith under torture was instrumental in converting his jailer.

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2008

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